War by Lee Maracle

Published in 2000, Lee Maracle’s War describes experiences of Indigenous peoples in post-colonial Canada. Examining the turmoil and injustice faced by Indigenous peoples in the past, the poem presents the feelings of pain and love as non-conflicting. As such, Maracle writes of necessary acceptance and strength for Indigenous peoples to take back the narrative.

One of Canada’s most prolific Indigenous writers, Lee Maracle is a writer who is an advocate for Indigenous rights—specifically that of Indigenous women. In her work, she infuses her writings with traditional Indigenous stories; in particular, her focus in “decolonizing the feminine” in North America frames her writings in a uniquely feminist light. Maracle’s autobiography, Bobbi Lee: Indian Rebel, was one of the first Indigenous works published in Canada. Recognizing her instrumental contribution to Canadian literature and Indigenous rights, Maracle was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018.